Colorado Parks and Wildlife agents killed an uncollared wolf in Routt County on Friday, June 12, 2026 [1].
The removal follows a series of livestock depredations that have strained the relationship between wildlife managers and the agricultural community. This specific animal was linked to repeated attacks on sheep across the region, making it a primary target for state officials.
According to state records, the wolf was responsible for killing at least 22 sheep since 2025 [2]. The animal had previously been active in Rio Blanco County before being tracked to its final location in Routt County [1].
Wildlife officials identified the animal as a member of the Copper Creek pack. This specific pack has been identified as a significant source of conflict in the state, accounting for over 60% of all livestock depredations in Colorado [3].
The lethal removal was carried out after agents confirmed the identity of the uncollared wolf. The agency focused on the animal because of its repeated predatory behavior toward domestic livestock, a key trigger for lethal management under state guidelines.
CPW agents carried out the operation on June 12, 2026 [1]. The agency continues to monitor other members of the Copper Creek pack to determine if further interventions are necessary to protect local herds.
“The wolf was responsible for killing at least 22 sheep since 2025.”
The removal of this wolf highlights the ongoing tension between wolf conservation and the protection of the livestock industry in the U.S. West. Because a single pack is responsible for more than 60% of the state's depredations, the data suggests that a small number of 'problem' animals drive the majority of human-wildlife conflicts, rather than the wolf population as a whole.
